Original Paper

Beneficial Long-Term Effects of Combined Oral/Topical Antioxidant Treatment with the Carotenoids Lutein and Zeaxanthin on Human Skin: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
P. Palombo^a, G. Fabrizi^b, V. Ruocco^c, E. Ruocco^c, J. Fluhr^e, R. Roberts^f, P. Morganti<sup>c, d

a</sup>Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Saint Eugenio Hospital, Rome,
^bDepartment of Dermatology, University of Molise, Campobasso,
^cDepartment of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples II, Naples,
^dMavi Sud S.r.l., Aprilia, Italy;
^eKlinik für Dermatologie, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Jena, Germany;
^fKemin Health, L.C., Des Moines, Iowa, USA

Address of Corresponding Author

Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2007;20:199-210 (DOI: 10.1159/000101807)

  Key Words

• Carotenoid
• Lutein
• Zeaxanthin
• Antioxidant
• Premature aging

  Abstract

Background: The skin is exposed to numerous environmental assaults that can lead to premature aging. Of these agents, perhaps none is more ubiquitous than the ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths of sunlight. The primary immediate defense against environmental skin damage is the antioxidant capacity of the skin. However, this defense system can be compromised by moderate exposure to UV light. Therefore, bolstering the antioxidant defense system of the skin is a potentially important strategy for reducing environmentally induced skin damage. Aim of the Study: This clinical trial was designed to study the efficacy of lutein and zeaxanthin, two potentially important antioxidants found naturally in the skin, upon five skin physiology parameters (surface lipids, hydration, photoprotective activity, skin elasticity and skin lipid peroxidation - malondialdehyde) of human subjects. These xanthophyllic carotenoids were administered either orally, topically, or in combination (both oral and topical routes). Results: The results obtained indicate that the combined oral and topical administration of lutein and zeaxanthin provides the highest degree of antioxidant protection. However, oral and topical administration of these antioxidants individually also provides significant activity in the skin. In addition, oral administration of lutein may provide better protection than that afforded by topical application of this antioxidant when measured by changes in lipid peroxidation and photoprotective activity in the skin following UV light irradiation.

Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Prof. P. Morganti
Viale dell'Industria, 1
IT-04011 Aprilia (LT) (Italy)
Tel. +39 06 928 6261, Fax +39 06 928 1523
E-Mail morganti@mavicosmetics.it

  Article Information

Received: September 22, 2006
Accepted after revision: March 20, 2007
Published online: April 19, 2007
Number of Print Pages : 12
Number of Figures : 5, Number of Tables : 3, Number of References : 69